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Table of Contents I. The Practitioner’s Metaphysical Healing Practice ……….…..…. 2
II. Professionalism: Your Doctoral Image and Dealings With the Public ……………………………………………………….. 28
III. Dream Interpretation: Its Role in Metaphysics ……..……….… 34 IV. Meditation and Its Significance in Metaphysical Practice ….… 40
V. Self-Hypnosis and Its Relation to Metaphysical Practice ….….. 49
VI. The Bible and Metaphysics ……………….…………………..... 56 VII. Yoga: Its Adaptation to Western Thinking …..……………....… 61 VIII. Metaphysical Semantics and Doctoral Communication .…….. 68 IX. Your Choice of Metaphysical Operation: Teaching, Counseling Center or Church …………..….….....… 73
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Metaphysical Practitioner is one who uses SPIRITUAL PRACTICES to heal not only physical conditions, but financial and emotional situations as well.
Christian Science initiated the basic concept, and then Religious Science followed up on it, instigating the actual Practitioners.
While the notion of Spiritual Healing Practitioners is not well‐known amongst the general public, it has been well‐received by metaphysical followers.
With the current upward trend in Holistic Healing, the concept and work
of the Metaphysical Practitioner may be accepted by the public at large in the near future.
hile practitioners may utilize a variety of methods in their work, they generally receive individualized requests for specific healing “treatments.”
These can be applied with the client present; they can also be
accomplished through the mail or by phone, in which case the person may request an “ABSENT HEALING.”
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The Practitioner’s Metaphysical Healing Practice
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What is a Metaphysical Practitioner?
The Practitioner’s Work
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ABSENT HEALING
In metaphysical terms, this is where the person being “treated” is not seen in person for the application.
Absent Healing works through what might be called “Spiritual ESP”
(Extrasensory Perception).
The practitioner will usually go into a State of Meditation, visualizing and/or spiritually affirming that the person is well and whole.
The practitioner may also apply positive Prayer Treatments, declaring that the individual is healed and whole.
Treatments may be given at a certain time each day; the practitioner and the
client will have prearranged that the client will be meditating, and be mentally open and receptive to receive the treatment.
In most cases, however, a practitioner will apply treatments on their own time schedule, at least once per day.
he main aspect of a practitioner’s work deals with physical conditions, and the treatment is applied on a one-to-one basis rather than at a meeting or religious
service.
■ The specific guidelines discussed below must be adhered to so that you are practicing within the legal boundaries of your profession.
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Legalities
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LEGAL GUIDELINES
NEVER ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE THE PHYSICAL CONDITION. If you do, you may be accused of practicing medicine without a license. You may, however, provide “karmic” and/or emotional reasons for the problem.
NEVER PRESCRIBE ANY KIND OF MEDICATION – NOT EVEN AN ASPIRIN.
Even if the item you suggest does not require a prescription, you could be accused of practicing medicine without a license.
BE VERY CAREFUL THAT THE LAYING ON OF HANDS – IN PRIVATE – IN NO
WAY RESEMBLES ANY KIND OF PHYSICAL MANIPULATION. If it does, you could be accused of practicing chiropractic or osteopathic medicine without a license. “Laying on of hands” is acceptable before a spiritual audience, but can be considered legally suspect when done in private.
BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS IF YOU UTILIZE ANYTHING IN YOUR HEALING
WORK THAT RESEMBLES ANY TYPE OF HEALING EQUIPMENT. As a metaphysical practitioner, you should never imply that any machine is responsible for the actual healing.
HOLD A SUNDAY SERVICE. If you intend to do a great deal of healing work, it is strongly suggested that you hold a Sunday Service once per week to legally reinforce your Ministerial position. This gives you the legal right to practice Metaphysical Healing.
■ Following the above few simple guidelines should ensure that you encounter no legal difficulties as a practitioner.
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he length of time that it takes for a practitioner’s metaphysical treatments to succeed will vary from person to person.
Some results are almost instantaneous, while others may take a few hours, days,
weeks, or even months to manifest; this is dependent upon the client’s condition.
At the very least, however, some improvement should be noted, even at the outset.
The only exception to this is when the outer symptoms appear to be worsening in the early stages of treatment, due to forcing the condition to “come to a head.”
s a practitioner, you must have a certain attitude or mindset in relation to your client.
There are four critical aspects of a treatment, all of which must take place in the
practitioner’s mind, whether in a State of Affirmative Meditation or Metaphysical Prayer. These stages can be broken down as follows:
Part 1 - Recognition - Mentally recognizing and affirming the existence of the natural healing power, or God Within the client.
Part 2 - Declaration - Mentally declaring that the client has the Healing Power of God Within to heal themselves, and that the healing is taking place right now. Part 3 - Identification - Mentally identifying the client’s True Self (i.e., Spiritual Reality) to be one with God’s Presence Within them. Part 4 - Acceptance - Mentally accepting that the healing has been accomplished. Giving thanks that it has been, and affirming it with these words: “AndSoItIs!”
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Time – Treatments and Success
Basic Practitioner’s Treatment
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he above points demonstrate that your outlook is critically important in regard to your client. This cannot be overemphasized. To elaborate:
Your Intention - In essence, your intention must be to recognize your clients as whole and healed.
“Hopeless” Thoughts - Occasionally, you may encounter a client whose condition, at least outwardly, appears discouraging and bleak. In this type of case, you must work against any such thought of hopelessness that manifests in your mind.
Argumentative Method - In the above type of situation, you would use what we in metaphysics call the Argumentative Method. Just as the word implies, you must argue these negative thoughts out of your mind in relation to the client, so that your mind is open to thoughts of healing and wholeness for them.
number of years ago, I spent a great deal of time researching what produced the best results in the application of practitioners’ treatments for maximum success.
Through experimentation, I developed the following system:
STEP 1
Go into as deep a State of Meditation as possible for “contact” with your Higher God‐Self.
When you have achieved what you intuitively believe to be the high point of the meditation contact, go on to Step 2.
STEP 2
Have your clients’ requests written on index cards, along with their address.
If you have never met them face‐to‐face, ask that they send you a picture of themselves so that you can focus, in your mind, on what they look like.
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In the Mind of the Practitioner
My Own Visualization
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Having achieved a high point in your meditation period, open your eyes for a split second only, so that you do not lose your meditative state, and glance at the index card.
Close your eyes and mentally visualize their appearance, either in your Mind’s Eye – if you have the capacity for this – or if not, in your imagination.
STEP 3
As you visualize the clients, affirm that they are healed and whole.
Mention their address.
An example might be: “I see Mary Smith of Main Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in my mind. I declare her to be one, whole, and complete. I identify her with God’s Healing Presence Within her that has healed her now. For this I give thanks … And So It Is!”
COMPLETION
After you “intuitively” sense that your healing treatment has made contact with the client, pause for a few moments to re‐deepen your meditative state.
When you feel that this has been accomplished, repeat the process by going on to the next client’s card.
uring my many years of research, I have come to the conclusion that there is a “Spiritual ESP” that takes place between the practitioner and the client.
The practitioner does all they can in their own life to establish and maintain as close a contact with the Universal Mind of God within themselves as possible, through meditation or any other spiritual practice that achieves this result.
D The practitioner does all they can in their own life to establish and maintain as close a contact with the Universal Mind of God within themselves as possible, through meditation or any other spiritual practice that achieves this result.
How the Standard Practitioner’s Treatments Work
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ULTIMATELY, THERE IS BUT ONE MIND IN THE UNIVERSE THAT IS AT THE NUCLEUS OR CENTER OF ALL CONSCIOUS ENTITIES – whether human, animal, or even so‐called inanimate objects, which also have “primal energy” or God‐Consciousness at the foundation of their physical existence.
The practitioner, by reaching the Universal Consciousness within themselves,
thus contacts the Universal Consciousness of the client, by so directing his or her thoughts.
In other words, the thoughts of healing and wholeness are transferred from the
Universal Part of the practitioner’s mind to the Universal Part of the client’s mind.
The Universal Part of the client’s mind then stimulates the chemical action necessary within the body to affect the healing.
To illustrate, the client may have financial difficulties or emotional problems in interpersonal relationships.
Whatever the conflict may be, the Universal Part of the practitioner’s mind stimulates the Universal Part of the client’s mind.
The Universal Part of the client’s mind is thereby inspired or moved to bring to the surface creative and/or self‐directional thoughts pertaining to improving either type of situation.
This Universal contact also connects with other minds with whom the client is involved in either scenario – relating to the client’s finances, or the other individual in a personal relationship.
The client will be stimulated to come up with an innovative solution for that situation, and the other minds involved with the client will also be affected. Thus, either circumstance can be influenced positively.
Students of metaphysics and life’s deeper mysteries, who are more involved in occult and esoteric spiritual practices may, of course, have their own preferences and explanations.
■ It is up to the individual practitioner to choose which methods work best for them and for their clients, providing, of course, that they are legal and obtain the desired healing results.
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Most practitioners will charge a weekly amount, until either the healing is successful or the client asks that the treatments be discontinued.
As of this writing, the usual weekly amount for a practitioner’s work is $70.00. Some will establish a monthly payment of $200.00.
Practitioners who run a metaphysical church‐type setting will include it as part of the spiritual service that the parishioners receive in exchange for monthly church pledges.
Those whose followings are either more affluent or else at the poverty level will set up payment on a voluntary donation basis.
The practitioner agrees to give daily healing treatments; in most instances, these are absent healings. It is the practitioner’s moral responsibility to continue these treatments, or they should never be started.
■ It is up to you, as a practitioner, to choose which methods to utilize, based on how you are conducting your metaphysical work, as well as on current laws regarding the exchange of monies pertaining to religious practices.
ollowing is a discussion of techniques that you may suggest your clients apply at home.
Some of the methods may also be used on clients in person, if they do not
infringe on the legalities previously mentioned in this module. Note that the Hindu word PRANA, meaning “Life Force” or “Primal Energy,”
is used in the techniques. For the Western mind, this can be interchanged with these more “spiritual” terms:
INFINITE SPIRIT GOD ENERGY INNER LIGHT OF GOD
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The Practitioner’s Fees
Techniques
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STUDY THE TECHNIQUES THOROUGHLY. Practice them on yourself and/or on members of your immediate family to test the results obtained from their implementation. Once you are satisfied that positive outcomes can be achieved, recommend them to your clients so they may also reap the benefits.
THREE BASIC SWEEPS OR PASSES
1) GENERAL PASS
This technique involves the transmission of Prana through one’s hands.
With the client seated in front of you, stand about one foot away with your hands extended.
Raise your hands and extend them approximately one foot over the individual’s head.
Now, you actually charge mentally, sending this energy from your mind to your hands, transmitting the power through your fingers over the person’s head and downward, slowly around the individual in a sweeping movement all the way to the knees.
At this point, shake your hands to release the energy that you have accumulated. Shake them as if they were wet, shaking off the negative energy.
Now, bring your hands back up (fingers closed this time) around the sides of the individual seated in front of you.
This is one full sweep or pass. At this point, you have completed the General Pass.
THIS TECHNIQUE INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION OF PRANA THROUGH ONE’S HANDS.
PRANA
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SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL PASS TECHNIQUE
Note that this technique is actually quite simple.
You have completely surrounded and energized the person’s energy field,
cleansing and magnifying their aura and enveloping them with energy.
Practice this technique until you feel completely at ease with it and no longer
have to think about how to apply it.
You are using your mind and soul to direct energy to the individual you are treating.
Do not touch the person – remain approximately one foot away. The individual will experience a tingling, restful feeling.
The closer you are, the more stimulating is the energy that they will feel.
You can apply the technique six inches away if you feel the client is very low
and has a need for more stimulating energy.
However, if the person is anxious, uneasy, or known to suffer from a nervous
disorder, it is best to stand back about one foot. The transmission will be less powerful, but easier for them to receive.
It is beneficial, here, to keep your eyes open and gaze into their eyes – not to
hypnotize them, but to have their full attention. Your aim is for them to be receptive, and you can accomplish that with your eyes, which can transmit added energy.
YOU ARE USING YOUR MIND AND SOUL TO DIRECT ENERGY TO THE INDIVIDUAL YOU ARE TREATING.
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2) LONGITUDINAL PASS
This technique is for a person who has a specific pain.
Here, we will use the example of someone with a stomach ulcer.
First, you execute the General Pass.
Then, hold your hands with extended fingertips over the problem area – in this case, the stomach.
Pinpoint the energy to a particular spot that is causing the pain.
Make downward passes of motion over that area.
Then, bring your hands down and shake them.
Bring your hands up again; surround the entire area with both hands, fingers closed, and then down again; shake them loose and bring them up once again.
Repeat this sweep several times. You are surrounding that entire area with Prana energy.
At this point, you have completed the Longitudinal Pass.
Note: An ulcer patient is usually a nervous person, so it is best to stand one
foot away. Again, however, if you want to stimulate the person, stand closer.
THIS TECHNIQUE IS FOR A PERSON WHO HAS A SPECIFIC PAIN.
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3) TRANSVERSAL PASS
The Transversal Pass actually pushes the negative energy out.
This technique requires that you work in a crosswise motion by putting your hands back‐to‐back, palms sideways, facing out.
Again, let’s say the problem is in the stomach area.
With your fingers extended and palms facing outward, in your mind actually take the area away that is causing pain. You are pulling it away, shaking it loose, removing it from the body, and bringing in positive Prana, by bringing your hands together again.
You have just completed the Transversal Pass.
■ The above three techniques are the three basic sweeps or passes to remember and utilize.
ow we are going to use our hands and fingers in a DIRECTING capacity – not touching, but directing.
For these techniques, ONLY ONE HAND IS USED.
As with the techniques described above, you WORK ON ONE PARTICULAR AREA that is afflicted and causing pain.
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THE TRANSVERSAL PASS ACTUALLY PUSHES THE NEGATIVE ENERGY OUT.
FOUR “DIRECTING” TECHNIQUES
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1) PALMAR PRESENTATION
This method is primarily for basic problems that are easier to overcome, i.e., headaches, muscle aches, basic pains in the back, heart, stomach, etc.
Here we work with the palms of the hand and stand a little closer to the individual being treated – approximately six inches away.
In this case, let’s use the example of a heart problem.
Hold your hand, fingers extended, palm open, for several minutes, about six
inches above the afflicted area.
Remain very still and silent. Do not speak; just concentrate on extending energy
to that particular area.
Direct the energy until you actually feel it coming out of your fingertips. Think
intensely that you are directing this energy out.
The more intensely you do this, the stronger the feeling will be.
This technique is very simple, but it works.
THIS METHOD IS PRIMARILY FOR BASIC PROBLEMS THAT ARE EASIER TO OVERCOME, I.E., HEADACHES, MUSCLE ACHES, BASIC PAINS IN THE BACK, HEART, STOMACH, ETC.
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2) DIGITAL PRESENTATION
The Digital Presentation is for more serious problems than the Palmar Method.
Use this method if you wish to direct energy with intensity to an area where there is a problem such as cancer, or cells that are functioning improperly.
Again, remain just six inches away from the affected area.
If you want to be very specific, use just one extended finger.
To cover a wider area, use the entire hand, extended. In this case, leave the hand open and extend your fingers to that one area.
With the hand sideways and/or the finger sideways, you are directing the energy. This provides a more direct contact than the palm. You can feel the difference in the way the energy is being emitted. It is much more pointed.
3) ROTARY PRESENTATION
This method is much more powerful and stronger than either the Digital or Palmar presentations.
Take your extended fingers and turn them clockwise around the affected area.
The fingers are kept closed together.
Direct the fingers around the area in a rotary motion, circulating the Prana, closing in on the area.
USE THIS METHOD IF YOU WISH TO DIRECT ENERGY WITH INTENSITY TO AN AREA WHERE THERE IS A PROBLEM SUCH AS CANCER, OR CELLS THAT ARE FUNCTIONING IMPROPERLY.
THIS METHOD IS MUCH MORE POWERFUL AND STRONGER THAN EITHER THE DIGITAL OR PALMAR PRESENTATIONS.
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4) PERFORATING MOTION
This method accomplishes the perforation of a particular area with Prana.
Here you are twisting and going inside of a specific area. You are going closer and closer – not just going around in circles, but twisting that area around like a corkscrew, actually circling in on an area.
This can be executed by going “to and fro,” the power of the energy coming and going – like a funnel being transmitted.
The fingers are kept closed together and in the same position as in the Rotary Method.
The above are the basic techniques to remember and utilize.
You can use them all, or any one that is the most effective for you.
Apply them according to these instructions to treat whatever difficulty an
individual may have when coming to you for help.
You will find that the more familiar you become with these techniques, the more you will use them, and the more you believe in them, the more successful you will be in applying them.
THIS METHOD ACCOMPLISHES THE PERFORATION OF A PARTICULAR AREA WITH PRANA.
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he laying on of hands has been practiced for thousands of years. It is an ancient technique used by the kings of Egypt – the Pharaohs.
There are several very effective ways of using the hands in treating another individual
who can benefit from your energy.
Preparing the Hands to Apply the Techniques
The hands must first be readied and energized before the actual laying on of hands can take place.
This is done by vigorously rubbing them to build up the energy. Rub them very
well until you can feel the heat.
Shake them a little and clench them – open, shut – open, shut – open, shut – etc.
Repeat this action until you feel you have built up the energy in your hands and
can feel the heat radiating from them.
1) STROKING TECHNIQUE Stroking is a very natural action that is done with animals all the time. If you have
a nervous pet – a dog, cat, or even a horse – what do you do? You stroke them. They start to wag their tails, to purr and/or lick you.
It is completely natural, but we have become so contrived, stemming from our fear of other people, that we rarely think of using the same stroking technique on people that we apply on animals!
This method is effective, powerful and relaxing.
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Laying On of Hands
THIS METHOD IS EFFECTIVE, POWERFUL AND RELAXING.
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To apply the Stroking Technique: A very light finger contact is required in this application.
After energizing your hands, stroke lightly, very lightly, always downward.
This can be accomplished in two ways:
First, start from the head, going down to the waist, and then from the waist down to the feet.
Or you can apply the stroking all the way down from the head to the feet.
Breaking it into two parts makes it easier.
Stroke very lightly, barely touching, extending only lightness around the individual you are treating. The action is not heavy – be light like air.
This stroking instills a feeling of relaxation and well‐being in the recipient.
2) RUBBING TECHNIQUE This technique is applied in various ways. It encompasses the rotary motion and
the power of the circle, which we spoke of previously.
Here we use a rotary motion as a circular massage.
Make a circular motion with your hands, lightly stroking the individual, starting from the head to the waist, and then, from the waist to the feet.
THIS STROKING INSTILLS A FEELING OF RELAXATION AND WELL‐BEING IN THE RECIPIENT.
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3) KNEADING TECHNIQUE
These applications are more intense. The motion is just as if you are kneading bread.
There are various ways to apply this technique:
PINCHING
The first kneading technique is actually pinching, which HELPS THE BLOOD CIRCULATION; blood and cells come alive and start functioning.
With your thumb and first finger, pick up the flesh and let it drop. Pick it up, and let it drop, pinching all over.
This circulates all the cells in the skin and in the blood, bringing them to life.
PALMAR (which we discussed earlier)
In this instance, you use the whole hand, not just the fingertips.
Use the palms with your fingers closed – not making a fist.
Rub with the palms and the closed fingertips.
You rub and knead with the heel of the hand and the palm, so that the energy from the palm can be absorbed.
DIGITAL
This consists of rubbing with the fingers, rubbing flesh against other flesh.
THESE APPLICATIONS ARE MORE INTENSE.THE MOTION IS JUST AS IF YOU ARE KNEADING BREAD.
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4) PERCUSSION TECHNIQUE With this technique, pounding motions are used in various ways:
POUNDING
The first percussive method is applied with a half‐closed hand, with which one is actually pounding the body.
This technique is beneficial for deep muscle relaxation.
CHOPPING
The second type calls for a slapping movement, with the hand held sideways – chopping.
This technique is best for getting to one particular point and loosening up a muscle that is bothersome.
CLAPPING The third method is as if you are clapping, with hands cupped or
arched.
TAPPING
The fourth and last percussion technique is a tapping motion, using all of the fingertips, and tapping lightly.
This technique is beneficial for general circulation, to surround an area completely with Prana energy.
THIS TECHNIQUE IS BENEFICIAL FOR DEEP MUSCLE RELAXATION.
THIS TECHNIQUE IS BEST FOR GETTING TO ONE PARTICULAR POINT AND LOOSENING UP A MUSCLE THAT IS BOTHERSOME.
THIS TECHNIQUE IS BENEFICIAL FOR GENERAL CIRCULATION, TO SURROUND AN AREA COMPLETELY WITH PRANA ENERGY.
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5) VIBRATIONAL TECHNIQUE
This technique is more complicated and will require practice. It is necessary to learn to vibrate your hand – actually have it shaking.
With your hand, you then vibrate the skin of the person you are touching; a trembling feeling is involved.
This technique is very beneficial for skin stimulation.
Try this technique before going to bed at night by vibrating your own face. You will feel your face come to life. Do this with just the hands, and not with the whole arm.
This concludes the presentation of the basic techniques covering the transmitting of Prana by the hands.
Points to Remember While Applying the Techniques
Be reminded of the importance of using your mind while applying these healing techniques. CONCENTRATE at all times on what you are doing.
THINK PRANA! Feel the energy flowing through your whole body and out through your hands and fingertips.
Be aware that YOU ARE TRANSMITTING PRANA to the individual being treated, and that you are receiving this healing energy from your Higher Mind that is the Infinite or Universal Energy – our Source, God.
GOD USES YOU AS A CHANNEL. Know that you have the power to heal, and use that power to help others as well as yourself.
MOST OF ALL, NEVER FORGET TO GIVE THANKS.
THIS TECHNIQUE IS VERY BENEFICIAL FOR SKIN STIMULATION.
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rana energy is in the food we eat, the water we drink, and in the air we breathe.
In order to assimilate the Prana, we need to learn to breathe rhythmically, and there are certain basic keys for doing so.
PRACTICING RHYTHMIC BREATHING The first point to remember is to CONSCIOUSLY FEEL YOUR HEARTBEAT. Hold
your hand over your heart; every heartbeat represents one unit of breath.
RELAX YOUR BODY enough to get to the point where you can breathe in six units, or six heartbeats of breath. You inhale six units and hold for three. Then, exhale six units and hold for three.
In the beginning, you may not be able to make six, so you may start with three or four. Just do whatever is the most comfortable for you. You may increase the count gradually, but ALWAYS HOLD THE BREATH FOR HALF OF WHAT YOU INHALE AT THE BEGINNING.
Exhale for the same number of breaths that you inhale, hold again for half of it, and then repeat. TO GET THE FULL EFFECT, THIS HAS TO BE DONE RHYTHMICALLY FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES, until it becomes completely natural.
Practice until the body establishes this rhythm and does it naturally without your having to count.
BREATHE FROM THE DIAPHRAGM.
This is essential for all breathing techniques.
Your abdomen expands as you inhale, and contracts as you exhale.
It is also important to remember that you will be breathing in Prana – not regular air.
So, again, as in all the other techniques, think, feel, and concentrate on Prana.
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Practice until the body establishes this rhythm and does it naturally without your having to count.
Breathing in Prana
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There is a big difference between regular breathing – done without any thought behind it – and the breathing in of pure, clean Prana energy.
It is powerful, magnetic, and healing.
Consciously think that as you exhale this Prana, it will be surrounding your entire physical body, going to your feet, your hands, your eyes, and your head.
It will be radiating through all the cells, muscles, and nerves of your body.
Absorb this into your thinking.
Not only can rhythmic breathing allow you to energize and heal yourself, but it places you in a state where you can heal others as well.
Rhythmic breathing can be very powerful and effective, used in conjunction with the basic passes.
Get in tune with yourself and your soul, and allow this Prana to flow through you to the individual you are treating.
BREATHING TO ELIMINATE PAIN
This breathing technique is the basic way to eliminate pain.
Lie flat on your back and relax thoroughly.
Breathe in Prana and send it to every single part of your body.
Think, while you are sending out the Prana, that you are driving out any pain that exists in your body. When exhaling, always think and envision that you are driving out the pain.
Do this for seven breaths.
THIS BREATHING TECHNIQUE IS THE BASIC WAY TO ELIMINATE PAIN.
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BREATHING TO A SPECIFIC AREA
This method takes you one step further. You concentrate on one special
problem area.
This technique can be utilized anywhere, not only while you are flat on your back. You can be driving to work, talking with someone over the phone, etc.
Start with the basic rhythmic breathing.
Then, inhale Prana.
When you exhale, send this Prana to the area that is causing you pain or discomfort.
o For example, if you have pain in your chest, inhale and think, while you are holding, that you are directing this Prana to the chest area that is full of pain, stimulating the area and energizing it.
o When exhaling, think that you are driving out the pain, driving it entirely out of your body.
Do this cycle for three breaths.
BREATHING FOR CIRCULATION
This third technique is beneficial if you have poor circulation.
Start with rhythmic breathing.
Then, inhale Prana. Hold the breath while thinking that you are going to be exhaling the energy of blood.
THIS THIRD TECHNIQUE IS BENEFICIAL IF YOU HAVE POOR CIRCULATION.
THIS METHOD TAKES YOU ONE STEP FURTHER. YOU CONCENTRATE ON ONE SPECIAL PROBLEM AREA.
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Drive it down to the fingertips and to the toes, increasing the circulation and flow of blood throughout the body.
This technique works well for thawing cold toes in the morning – it really works! If your toes are cold, it means that your blood is not circulating well to that part of your body; the area is not receiving energy and, consequently, the vital life force is being cut off.
This is a very simple way to increase the circulation. It is merely a matter of using your subconscious mind to work for you.
BREATHING FOR ENERGY – THE BREATH OF FIRE
This fourth breathing form is used for recharging oneself with energy.
When you feel tired, low in energy, and want to stimulate your body to create new energy, use this technique.
It works more effectively than almost anything I’ve seen – including vitamins –
to GENERATE QUICK ENERGY.
It is a matter of using breath to charge your body.
This is achieved by rapidly breathing in and breathing out the Prana.
It is called the “breath of fire,” because as you do this breathing, you begin to feel like you are on fire. You can actually feel the energy radiating from you.
You inhale as deeply as you can, and then exhale – both through the nose.
Do this very rapidly, and you will direct energy throughout your whole being.
The more intensely you do this, the more you will feel the effects.
Don’t be afraid of using this technique. You will get as much out of it as you put into it.
You are going to find yourself completely cleansed and energized after applying the Breath of Fire method ‐‐ HOWEVER, YOU MUST START SLOWLY.
THIS FOURTH BREATHING FORM IS USED FOR RECHARGING ONESELF WITH ENERGY.
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At first, only practice the Breath of Fire for two minutes. Later, you can extend it to five minutes. I must caution you, however, NOT TO OVERDO IT.
If you are not careful to follow these guidelines, you might faint. You could overcharge your system, short‐circuit it and black out.
This will not happen, however, if you start slowly, and allow your body to become used to this fantastic technique. It is a powerful way to start the day.
BREATHING FOR BALANCE AND HARMONY – THE YOGA BREATH
This fifth form of breathing is very effective for bringing the body into balance so that the whole being can work in harmony.
It is extremely simple and can be practiced anywhere at any time of the day. You will find that the effects are tremendous.
Hold your left nostril closed and breathe in through the right nostril. Hold for one second.
Then close off your right nostril and breathe out through the left nostril.
Now, breathe in through the left nostril; hold for one second and breathe out through the right nostril.
If you do this for five minutes, you will find yourself in a peaceful, calm state, totally in tune with yourself. This is an extremely beneficial technique.
GENERAL BREATHING TREATMENT FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
■ We can see that with the above techniques, we have learned how to:
Inhibit Pain Direct Circulation Recharge The Body Do Alternate Breathing
THIS FIFTH FORM OF BREATHING IS VERY EFFECTIVE FOR BRINGING THE BODY INTO BALANCE SO THAT THE WHOLE BEING CAN WORK IN HARMONY.
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■ We will now combine those methods into ONE GENERAL TREATMENT we can use for ourselves, or for teaching others, for the improvement of their health and well-being.
First, lie down and relax as you establish a rhythmic breathing pattern, using Prana for stimulation and/or driving out pain.
Direct the circulation with your mind, filling your whole body with this Prana energy.
Try to feel, as you breathe in, that you are not just breathing through your nose. Feel that every single part of your body is drawing in Prana. Feel that you are breathing through your hands, your bones, your head, and that your entire body – not just your nose – is drawing in air.
Then, as you exhale, picture that the exhalation is not just through your nose, but
that your whole body is sending out any negative force it may have contained.
You are being stimulated by this energy that you are drawing into every single pore of your body. Practice this until you feel that your entire being is charged with energy.
After this has been established, concentrate on sending this Prana into each of the seven psychic (vital energy) centers of the body.
These are called the chakras, a Hindu term (see Volume I of the Masters Degree Modules for more details on the chakras).
The chakras are located at the base of the spine, the spleen, the navel, the heart, the throat, the forehead (Third Eye), and the crown center.
End the treatment with a sweep of the entire body with the energy you have accumulated. At this point, you should be sitting up straight.
You will find this to be a very helpful and beneficial general treatment.
This treatment also sends the kundalini energy up from the base of the spine; that is spiritual energy, rising and filling your entire being.
THIS TREATMENT ALSO SENDS THE KUNDALINI ENERGY UP FROM THE BASE OF
THE SPINE; THAT IS SPIRITUAL ENERGY, RISING AND FILLING YOUR ENTIRE BEING.
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hen you enter the field of metaphysics as a professional, you leave the ranks of the students behind. You may always be a student in spirit – as we all continue to learn – but now you find yourself in a position where people will judge you as
an EXAMPLE of what you teach. Note that becoming a teacher or professional does not mean that God has transformed you! You are basically the same person, but now you “have a public.”
Thus, through pre‐conditioning, “your public” – rightly or wrongly – may have certain expectations of you that are associated with your Professional Doctoral Image. Therefore, I feel it is essential to present some points in regard to this image. These are lessons that I have discovered through over 40 years of full‐time experience in Professional Metaphysics. Perhaps some of these suggestions won’t make sense to you; you may feel they really don’t matter. However, experience, as they say, is the best teacher. After you have been in professional practice for awhile, I am sure you will realize their validity.
■ If you follow these fundamentals in your metaphysical career, you will have an advantage from the very beginning. You won’t have to adjust as you go along, which could be costly in terms of your students, success, prestige, and peace of mind.
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Professionalism: Your Doctoral Image and Dealings with the Public
II
Note that becoming a teacher or professional does not mean that God has transformed you! You are basically the same person, but now you “have a public.”
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n our society, clothing styles continually change. It is advisable that you dress according to current standards and expectations for a “Doctoral Professional.”
Some may think this statement is superficial trivia – that, after all, it is not what you
look like, but rather what you have to give that is important.
► Granted, this is true, and would be absolutely true if we were on a planet inhabited with nothing but evolved souls.
► However, since we are not, you must dress the part for the benefit of those who are more conditioned and less spiritually evolved.
Some teachers, in recent years, have been able to get away with the “casual look,” but the “formal look” is what most people tend to respond to and respect. With men, for example, a suit and tie seem to best reflect what the public “expects.”
■ However you dress, it should correspond to what the public perceives to be the current professional, doctoral attire.
It is also advisable to dress appropriately even when you are not teaching,
counseling, or ministering.
► When you are engaged in leisure activities, shopping, etc., it is recommended that your clothing not be extravagant or flamboyant, and that it reflect good taste.
► In essence, when you deal with the public, you live as in a fishbowl.
► Make it your aim to give people as little as possible to criticize, in the matters that you can consciously control.
I How You Dress
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o doubt you’ve heard the saying, “Amanisnotaprophetinhisownhomeland.” While people know that you are “human,” they may very likely wish to transform you,
in your professional role, into a glorified symbol. This is easy for them to do when you are at a distance, such as when you, as a
teacher, are at the lectern and the student is in the audience. There, the student sees the professional image that is projected.
However, if you let them get too close, they may then begin to see the “human” aspect of your nature! They tend to criticize the latter because it interferes with the symbol they begin to envision as “you.”
Now, I don’t believe in the direct or indirect worship of any teacher (“Guruism”),
no matter how “high” their spiritual stature or evolvement may be.
Christ was aware of this “Guru Worshipping” tendency when he said, “CallnomanyourMaster,notevenI,forOneonlyisyourMaster,andthatistheGodwithinyou.”
I state this here because while creating a Professional Doctoral Image that people
can accept is appropriate, I am not suggesting you go to extremes with a “Messianic” personality projection.
Be aware that when you are away from a formal professional atmosphere, the symbol of authority that people want you to be is weakened, leaving you vulnerable to criticism.
► I therefore recommend that you maintain a “professional distance” between yourself and your clients or students.
► Socializing and displaying excessive “charm” detracts from the image they have of you.
► They then see you as a “mere mortal” like themselves, turning on you if you display any so‐called “human” weakness.
Naturally, as your work grows and expands, you will be required to work closely with people, but first consult and listen to your Higher God‐Mind regarding whom you choose.
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Maintain a Professional Distance
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.
Select only those you have known for some time, and with whom you feel you can be yourself without being criticized or judged.
Particularly if you are naturally warm and friendly, you may think I am exaggerating this concept of “professional distance.”
However, I have trained innumerable teachers over many years, and even the best have had to admit the validity of this concern.
o continue this train of thought, never give your home phone number to students or clients. ■ They can potentially consume your energy with unnecessary phone calls that
take the precious time you require to work with those who truly need and want your help.
■ Exercise caution, even with calls on your professional line, as you may be inundated with “chronic phone neurotics.”
■ Yes, your metaphysical work does consist, in part, of curing neurosis, but the types of people I refer to will call daily, ignore your positive advice, and call again the next day to complain even more about their miserable lives.
The quickest solution is to tell them that you only take calls to arrange for “in‐office” sessions and that you do not counsel over the phone.
You will find that many people try to manipulate “free counseling” in this manner. Others simply call, as they would any other acquaintance, to grumble about their lives.
Note that metaphysical work is a work of love, and you demonstrate more love by being firm with people of this type than by yielding to them and encouraging their neurosis.
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Naturally, as your work grows and expands, you will be required to work closely with people, but first consult and listen to your Higher God‐Mind regarding whom you choose.
Your Home Phone Number
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ome metaphysical teachers, in an effort to minimize professional operating expenses, will practice from their home, if they possess or can obtain the necessary zoning. A
combination residence-center is workable, but you must exercise caution when counseling the opposite sex. A female teacher‐counselor runs far greater risk of incurring transference with
men students when in a “home‐type setting,” than in a business or professional building. Similarly, a male teacher‐counselor will have the same difficulty with women clients.
If economic concerns dictate that you operate from your home, I suggest you have one other person on the premises who is quite visible when you are conducting private counseling.
f you are not operating out of your residence, then – as with your phone number – keep your home address private. This is even more imperative if you are single.
If transference is occurring in a student or client, you may find them actually
waiting on your doorstep one day when you return home.
“Impossible!” ‐ you say? Not really! It happened to me on several occasions years ago, until I kept my home address confidential.
This may appear humorous, but I assure you it is a delicate situation to resolve. It is also easy to avoid – just keep your home address to yourself!
he telephone answering machine can be used to assist in your work by giving you the ability to screen your calls.
This, of course, is beneficial in handling the chronic phone neurotic mentioned
previously.
Again, if you are trying to conserve on expenses, most phones today include a built‐in voice mail system.
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Operating From Your Residence
Your Residence Address
Invest in a Telephone Answering Machine
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hether in your office or out in public, your manner, walk, gestures and conversation will be under continual public scrutiny.
Even if you live in a city with a large population, there is always the possibility of
encountering a student or client.
It is therefore hoped that the more you are living metaphysical principles, the more you will find that they become a natural way of being.
s stated at the beginning of this module, when you make the transition from student to professional, you may think of yourself as the same person, but others, except for a
few close friends and associates, will know and judge you based on the Doctoral Image you project. Polish and own your Professional Doctoral Image, for in many cases it can mean the difference between failure and success.
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A
Polish and own your Professional Doctoral Image, for in many cases it can mean the difference between failure and success.
Your Manner in Public
In Conclusion
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ream Interpretation can be a valuable tool for the metaphysical student. Hence, it is advisable that Professional Doctoral Practitioners of Metaphysics learn everything possible about dream symbolism, by studying many of the
knowledgeable books and resources available today.
However, some of the metaphysical significance of dreams is not ordinarily found in most of those books.
It is therefore the object of this module to impart that information. Then,
armed with this understanding, the student will be able to “read between the lines” and apply these metaphysical concepts to the material.
Having personally taught many Dream Interpretation Seminars, I can state unequivocally that knowledge of Metaphysical Dream Interpretation can contribute enormously to your students’ ability to help themselves.
any areas of a student’s life can be improved through appropriate Metaphysical Dream Interpretation. The following are the most significant:
GUIDANCE – From the Higher God‐Mind within, using the vehicle of dreams to communicate to the conscious mind about decisions that are to be made in the conscious life activity of the student. HEALTH OR SOMATIC DREAMS – Dreams from the Higher God‐Mind within, using the vehicle of dreams to communicate matters to the conscious mind that pertain to the state of one’s health. Guidance on eating, remedies, detrimental factors to eliminate, etc.
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Dream Interpretation: Its Role in Metaphysics
III
What Dream Interpretation Can Provide
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH – Guidance and unveiling of life’s deepest mysteries of the soul and spirit. PSYCHOLOGICAL – Insight on the health of the psyche in general. Guidance on steps to correct negative causal factors and activate positive causal factors.
Other ongoing themes and threads run through our lives, but if the above critical areas are functioning well, the less significant issues will tend to take care of themselves.
Understanding the principal areas mentioned is essential if students are to progress and experience satisfaction in the following aspects of their lives:
Love Relationship Career Guidance and Potential Health Maintenance and Healing Psychological and Emotional Stability Spiritual Unfoldment, Development, Awareness
Your role in this process is twofold:
1. The education of your student‐members and clients on the following:
The significance of Metaphysical Dream Interpretation in their lives
Becoming proficient in the interpretation of their own dreams.
2. Making private Dream Interpretation Counseling available to students or clients who need professional help in interpreting a dream.
In such counseling, you act as a “guide” in the interpretation of their dream symbolism, rather than offering the actual interpretation.
You are thus assisting them with the interpretation, while simultaneously showing them how to effectively interpret dreams on their own.
By handling private dream interpretation consultations in this manner, you are providing a professional doctoral service to your student‐members and clients.
The Role of the Metaphysical Doctor on Dreams
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t is a proven, clinical fact that all humans dream every night. In dream laboratories, researchers have discovered that the average person has a considerable amount of
nightly “REM,” i.e., dream time.
REM simply refers to RAPID EYE MOVEMENT, which is an indicator that a sleeper is dreaming.
Researchers have also found that there is a movement beneath the closed eyelids of a sleeper when they are dreaming.
The eye appears to be conditioned to follow visual dream effects as they occur in the viewing screen of the subconscious mind during dream states. Perhaps this is due to the conditioned psychological response of the human eye watching physical activities while awake.
Students often complain that even though they dream nightly, the dreams are of no use to them, since they cannot remember them upon awakening.
This is a valid concern because, obviously, a person cannot derive the benefit of dream interpretation if they can’t remember the dream in the first place.
The answer to all of this lies in a phenomenon I have observed in feedback from students who attended my dream seminars.
They have repeatedly relayed to me that once they took a serious interest in their dreams and their meaning, they began to recall their dreams upon awakening.
To me, this is significant metaphysically – because, as I will explain in more detail later, it is as if an Inner Intelligence then creates dreams in the first place for the individual’s benefit, knowing that the conscious mind is now receptive to receiving guidance through the vehicle of dreams.
This affects the subconscious, or adjusts it, as it were, to remember dream content upon awakening.
I Stimulation of Dream Recall
To me, this is significant metaphysically – because, as I will explain in more detail later, it is as if an INNER INTELLIGENCE THEN CREATES DREAMS IN THE FIRST PLACE for the individual’s benefit, knowing that the conscious mind is now RECEPTIVE to receiving guidance through the vehicle of dreams.
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Stimulation of dream recall has also been accomplished through the following two methods, of which students should be aware. (Ideally, these will be taught to them by their metaphysical doctor.)
1) POST-HYPNOTIC SUGGESTION – Students who have been trained by their metaphysical doctor in Self‐Hypnosis can be encouraged to give themselves the post‐hypnotic suggestion, upon retiring, that they will remember their dreams upon awakening. (For information on self‐hypnotic procedure, refer to our Meditation Dynamics course, as well as the module in this series on Self‐Hypnosis.)
2) CONTROL MEDITATION – This form of Western Metaphysical “Affirmative”
Meditation may also be used before retiring.
Some students or clients have a fear of hypnosis; however, the fear is not based on fact, and is generally due to a lack of thorough information on hypnosis. These students may feel more comfortable using the affirmative self‐suggestion that they remember their dreams upon awakening.
In actuality, the mental principle or act is the same, although the semantics may be more comfortable to them.
As a metaphysical doctor, it is up to you to choose which method you feel is more acceptable, based on your clients’ particular backgrounds.
n dream laboratories, the very act of dreaming has been proven to be an essential component in our lives. We will soon see the metaphysical implications of this
phenomenon. In laboratory studies, subjects were awakened during their dreams.
I
Researchers Verify the Importance of Dreaming
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When this was carried out to extremes (that is, when they were awakened at the first signs of REM Time), something of significance began to take place:
After about 48 hours, during which they were allowed to sleep, but not to dream, the subjects’ reflexes or reactions diminished.
After three to four days, people began to dream instantly upon entering sleep. This indicates that the mind was trying to play “catch‐up” for the dream time that was lost.
After a few days, subjects began to hallucinate when awake.
This appears to indicate that although the eyes were open, the part of their mind that creates dreams was trying to provide dream content, even at the consciousness level of the mind, in an attempt to make up for the lost dream time.
What is the significance of these findings?
If subjects are denied dream time for approximately two weeks, both their sanity and physiological condition can deteriorate to the point where they might actually require hospitalization.
This points to the fact that the very act of dreaming is a compensating and adjusting factor in the psycho‐physical makeup or chemistry of a human being.
Here is the metaphysical implication that should be emphasized to students and clients:
An Inner Intelligence is regulating the dream content that is taking place on an unconscious level. This dream content is necessary for the maintenance of mental and physical health.
Dreams will vary from one night to the next, from one person to another, and in different time periods. Thus, the dreams we dream tonight are not placed there by chance.
Each dream, and the content of the dream, has been chosen as being necessary for our mental and physiological health at that specific time in our lives.
An INNER INTELLIGENCE is regulating the dream content that is taking place on an unconscious level. This dream content is necessary for the maintenance of mental and physical health.
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■ In other words, an INNER INTELLIGENCE knows what compensating and adjusting factors we require during dreams to keep us healthy.
THIS INNER INTELLIGENCE MUST BE WISE BEYOND THE REALM OF REASON to not only know what we need ‐ by measuring the inner effects on our physiological system ‐ but also to be aware of the conditions, situations, and circumstances of our conscious life activity, i.e., our daily waking interactions with our external environment.
hroughout this module, I have referred to the “Higher Intelligence” within. This is an acceptable term of reference, especially for new students or clients.
Later on, however, when they are more sensitive or open to spiritual reality, you
may call it what it really is – GOD WITHIN.
■ Whatever Intelligence can be said to rule a human being so thoroughly from within, must then be realized as the God of one’s life, for it is truly the Ruling Intelligence of one’s existence.
■ The above illustrates why Dream Interpretation can be considered a valid tool in the metaphysical approach to Spiritual Truth.
■ If you have not previously considered this, it is therefore strongly recommended
that you avail yourself of current resources and knowledge on the art of Dream Interpretation.
Use this as a tool to assist your students and clients in accessing their Self‐God‐Power within for authentic help.
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The Metaphysics of Dreams – THE HIGHER INTELLIGENCE WITHIN
Use this as a tool to assist your students and clients in accessing their SELF‐GOD‐POWER WITHIN for authentic help.
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he purpose of this module, rather than teaching more about meditation, is to provide a condensed Summary of Meditation as it relates to your practice as a Doctor of Metaphysics.
he practice of meditation is crucial because it is the foundation of at least 90% of current metaphysical teachings.
► The philosophy and psychology of metaphysics are created almost entirely from Higher States of Consciousness experienced in meditation.
► Concepts of Metaphysical Psychology in relation to a philosophy of living have been gleaned from the INTUITIVE KNOWLEDGE REALIZED IN MEDITATION.
► Wisdom in the nature of Reality (life after death, astral dimensions, etc., as
they are commonly taught in metaphysics) has also been A PRODUCT OF MEDITATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
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Meditation and Its Significance in Metaphysical Practice
IV
Purpose
Foundation of Metaphysical Belief
The philosophy and psychology of metaphysics are created almost entirely
from HIGHER STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS EXPERIENCED IN MEDITATION.
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t is said that “A picture is worth 1,000 words.” This is a true statement, especially when you are teaching, counseling, and ministering in the subject of metaphysics, which
possesses sufficient abstracts in its philosophy to make it unintelligible to many people. You can, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, try to paint a “picture of reality” in peoples’
minds through the use of words, but how much more effective would it be if a person SAW a “picture of reality” in their Third Eye during a State of Meditation!
► In other words, if you are trying to get people to believe metaphysical concepts,
you must explain that these philosophies have emerged as a result of the corresponding meditational experiences of thousands throughout the ages.
► And, most importantly, any person can realize the authenticity of common
metaphysical beliefs if they, too, will learn and practice meditation diligently, as part of their daily routine.
► Once a person has a Meditational Experience, they then feel justified in practicing their metaphysical beliefs, which have thus been made valid through this realization.
► I assure you that what is said here is true and authentic, based on years of serving metaphysical students – both those who have had this MEDITATIONAL EXPERIENCE and those who have not.
► The terms it is given, words used to describe it, and systems and philosophies
created around it vary widely!
Whatever it is called, it is imperative that the MEDITATIONAL EXPERIENCE be prominent and integral to the practice of a Doctor of Metaphysics.
I
Meditation and Your Doctoral Practice
Once a person has a MEDITATIONAL EXPERIENCE, they then feel justified in practicing their metaphysical beliefs, which have thus been made valid through this realization.
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s a Doctor of Metaphysics, you must choose the type of meditation that you would like to teach.
BEGINNERS MORE ADVANCED & RECEPTIVE
► It is up to you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, to choose what to teach, and at what stage of instruction to teach it.
Let me elaborate on the distinction between teaching basic or deeper meditation methods:
If a client is caught up in deeper meditational experiences to such an extreme
that they are inhibiting their ability to function in this physical world, the best way to help them would be to SUGGEST LIGHTER MEDITATION – at least for the present.
A
For neophytes, it is generally advisable to start with very light forms of Western Meditation, dealing with affirmative self‐programming of the personal subconscious mind.
If you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, detect that the students or clients are being overwhelmed psychologically by their interest in this area, at this stage of their spiritual growth it might be more appropriate to recommend basic, Western‐style techniques.
Mystical or Eastern Meditation should be taught when a person has a greater metaphysical sensitivity to life.
If you have students or clients who are already interested in the esoteric and the occult, they, of course, would be more receptive to Eastern or Mystical Meditation.
Selecting the Method of Meditation
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This would allow them sufficient psychic space in their lives to achieve a greater balance between the INNER SPIRITUAL WORLD and the OUTER MATERIAL WORLD.
On the other hand, you might come across someone who has only been introduced to the Western self‐programming form of meditation, and needs exposure to deeper meditational experiences.
It is a relatively simple matter to do this on a one‐to‐one basis, but greater scrutiny is required in a group situation.
n recent years, thousands of people have taken courses in meditation, and not necessarily because they were particularly receptive to metaphysics.
Many individuals have practiced meditation because they were told that this was a proven method for:
Gaining relaxation Renewing one’s energy Healing physical ailments.
Meditating for the above reasons has paved the way for numerous individuals
– who otherwise would not have had metaphysical interests in this lifetime – to pursue metaphysics in a natural and effortless manner.
This is something that you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, should always be aware of; it can provide an avenue for you to reach and help more people, and thereby gain a greater metaphysical following.
► What is suggested is that if you are dealing with people – whether in a
one‐to‐one or group situation – who have never previously been exposed to metaphysics, it is more appropriate that you begin by stressing the more surface, self‐improvement aspects of meditation.
► Wait until later, when people are more likely to be receptive, to
introduce the deeper metaphysical facets of meditation.
I Meditation – An Avenue to Metaphysics
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In today’s stressful world, people have an ever‐growing need to learn the practice of meditation, even if just for its surface benefits. Though people may come to you initially with more superficial motivations, this may allow you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, to open the door to deeper metaphysical awareness.
s a Doctor of Metaphysics, it is advisable to choose whether to concentrate on offering private or classroom instruction, or both when applicable. Your initial
decision, of course, will be subject to change as your metaphysical following grows in your community. Below are some items to consider in reaching your decision. PRIVATE INSTRUCTION In the very earliest stages of your career, it might be wisest to teach meditation on a
one-to-one basis. There are numerous advantages to this approach: Economics - For one thing, the required facility would be less expensive. Your Instructional Skill - Itwould allow you to polish your teaching style and
technique, which is necessary before attempting to teach an entire group. Personal Attention - The student will be more appreciative of the personal
attention received from private instruction. There is less likelihood of the student losing interest, than in a class atmosphere where you cannot devote as much personal time to each pupil.
Fee Considerations - On a one‐to‐one basis, you have more leverage regarding
what to charge for instruction; you can use a sliding scale based on the person’s income.
o A sliding scale cannot be applied in a class situation without arousing resentment, if someone were to discover that other students were paying less.
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In today’s stressful world, people have an ever‐growing need to learn the practice of meditation, even if just for its surface benefits. Though people may come to you initially with more superficial motivations, this may allow you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, to open the door to deeper metaphysical awareness.
Method of Instruction – Private or Classroom
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o Such resentment, of course, is unjustified metaphysically. Anyone who has been sufficiently blessed to be able to afford the full price should not – ideally – bear ill will toward someone who is not as financially stable.
o However, freeloaders do exist in our current society, i.e., those with youth and health who nonetheless attempt to live parasitically off the hard‐working majority.
o I mention this because you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, will frequently encounter such students, and you must decide what to charge them.
o While it is admirable to have compassion in your heart for the sick and the elderly, be aware – not naïve. Don’t let the “able‐bodied” get away with paying you one nickel less than you deserve for the services you provide them!
Why is this important – particularly in the area of metaphysics? To allow
anyone to get away with shirking responsibility stunts their spiritual growth – and, of course, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, this is your ultimate concern.
Fee Amount – At the time of this writing, private instruction was a minimum of
$70.00 an hour for a person of average income.
o Bear in mind that accountants currently charge $50 to $100 per hour or more, and Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists are in many cases charging $250 or more per hour.
o As a professional Doctor of Metaphysics, your service of teaching someone meditation is a lifelong value that – at the very least – is equal to that of the aforementioned professions.
o This more than justifies a $70 per hour minimum charge for the client of average income.
Why is this important – particularly in the area of metaphysics? To allow anyone to get away with shirking responsibility STUNTS THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH – and, of course, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, this is your ultimate concern.
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CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION Now that we have explored teaching meditation privately, let us look at teaching
meditation in a classroom atmosphere.
Tutoring
o Individual Attention ‐ As previously mentioned, you can provide more individual attention in private teaching.
o Private Tutoring ‐ In addition, when teaching a class, you can suggest that if anyone feels they need more instruction, it can be arranged by extra private tutoring.
o Additional Charge ‐ There would, of course, be an additional charge, due to the increased time and attention you would be providing.
Polish Your Teaching Skill ‐ At this point, your instructional ability should be
polished, because it is far more difficult to teach a class than it is to conduct a one‐to‐one session.
Improve Public Speaking ‐ Take steps to improve your public speaking ability.
There are numerous organizations, such as Toastmasters, where you can learn and sharpen these skills.
Administrative Assistant ‐ Also consider that when holding a group session,
you may require an administrative assistant, i.e., someone to collect tuitions, serve as host or hostess if you have refreshments at breaks, etc.
Financial Considerations
o Length of Sessions ‐ One‐on‐one private sessions last for one hour, but a class would require two hours to cover the same material. This is due to the time required to answer questions from numerous students, as opposed to just one.
o Minimum Charges ‐ Financially, according to today’s economic standards, a minimum charge of $20 per student, per class, for the average‐income person is suggested.
o This should be quoted within the context of a “Course” price – for example, an Eight‐Class Course for $160.
o By today’s standards, this is a very nominal fee, as the average charge for most self‐help programs of any worth is a minimum of $300 to $500 and up.
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Class Size – I taught tens of thousands of people in a 20‐year period, before becoming Dean of the University of Metaphysics. I mention this only to assure you that the guidance I am giving you is valid – because it is proven through experience. o Use the Telephone ‐ I have taught meditation in classes of up to 100 people.
How, you might ask, could I provide special attention to that many people? The answer is simple … by telephone.
o In other words, simply tell a large group that due to the class size, you don’t want anyone to feel neglected; therefore, they may phone you between certain hours, and give them the phone number.
Additional Costs and Income – Now, let’s use simple arithmetic, which some
of you may already be applying, along the lines of:
o “If Dr. Masters taught one meditation class per week, at an average of $20 per student, with 100 students attending, that is $2,000 per week for teaching only one class.” Yes, that’s right – but that is the gross amount, not net.
o Expenses ‐ We can’t overlook our expenses. I would spend an average of $700 per week on local newspaper advertising, plus an average of $300 per week on general expenses such as rent, phone, a part‐time hostess, etc. That left a net of $1,000 per week.
Attracting Students - I would conduct two free Introductory Lectures per week,
and begin one new Course each month. On this schedule, I actually taught not one, but two active meditation classes every week.
I have shared some secrets with you – principles and practical guides that work – in
order to offer you encouragement.
If you are willing to expend the time, energy, and – above all – the dedication of truly wanting to help people help themselves through meditation, an income potential of $70,000 per year is not unreasonable to expect, but, as I have already demonstrated, is attainable.
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What could be more fulfilling than:
Helping people to help themselves become more aware;
Aiding them in establishing a greater, more positive spiritual identity;
Watching them become contributors, not takers, in society;
While at the same time, establishing financial freedom and independence for yourself!
Does this sound like something you can envision?
The University of Metaphysics exists – worldwide – to give you the tools to establish your Professional Doctoral status, and enable you to succeed in bringing Meditation and Metaphysical understanding to others, for the rest of your life!
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t took the medical profession many years to finally accept the practice of Hypnosis. It is not surprising, therefore, that its use in spiritual matters and religion has been equally slow to arrive. Today – very quietly – some ministers either teach Self‐Hypnosis, or practice
Hetero‐Hypnosis as a part of Pastoral Counseling. This is mentioned because many of these ministers are of very traditional denominations.
Note that above I used the term “quietly.” This is because the lay public has been given a great deal of misinformation regarding hypnosis. For example, its use has been branded as the “work of the devil” by the
Christian Science Church.
Many people with metaphysical religious beliefs mistakenly give credence to this view.
The fact is, however, that hypnosis can be a particularly effective and beneficial tool in metaphysical practices.
Seeking self‐help via hypnosis can also open doors to an interest in metaphysics for people who otherwise would not be looking in that direction.
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Self-Hypnosis and Its Relation to Metaphysical Practice
V
Acceptance
Seeking self‐help via hypnosis can also open doors to an interest in metaphysics for people who otherwise would not be looking in that direction.
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WORD OF ADVICE - In today’s entanglement of legalities, public confusion, and misinformation from religious sources, the Doctor of Metaphysics – if interested in
hypnosis – should confine himself to teaching self-hypnosis rather than practicing hetero-hypnosis, i.e., hypnosis induced on another. While this may not be appealing to those of our students with an avid interest
in hypnosis, the statement is made to protect you from legal harassment. Except in very isolated cases, the same results can be gained from the practice
of self‐hypnosis, as from hetero‐hypnosis.
his module is not intended as a course in the complete Psychology and Philosophy of Hypnosis.
If you are not already familiar with hypnosis, it is suggested that you educate yourself on the subject. There are a number of inexpensive paperback editions readily available, and most of them are similar in what they impart.
Our discussion here is to show the relation of Hypnosis to Metaphysical Practice, which is only sparingly mentioned in the reading material, with few exceptions.
There is a tremendous similarity between Meditational and Self-Hypnotic Practice,
particularly in the initial stages of the technique. The following example is presented to illustrate this point:
Imagine you are in an office building where both Self‐Hypnosis and Meditation
are being taught.
Picture yourself walking down the hall of this building and looking into open doorways.
In one office a person is practicing Self‐Hypnosis, and in another an individual is engaging in Meditation.
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Hetero and Self-Hypnosis in Metaphysics
Similarities Between Self-Hypnosis and Meditation
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In the latter office, you might notice the person sitting and gazing at a candle flame; in the former, you see someone sitting and gazing at a bright light or pendulum.
If you reflect on this for a moment, you will see that both are doing the same
thing. In other words, both the Meditator and the Self‐Hypnotic student are utilizing a “fixation object” to concentrate the energies of their minds or achieve a mental focus. Each person is also attempting to relax in the process.
Having taught both Meditation and Self‐Hypnotic Techniques to thousands of students for over 40 years, I can say – unequivocally – that the practices of Meditation and Self‐Hypnosis, in the initial stages, are based on identical factors. They are both attempting to achieve relaxation and concentration simultaneously.
In the beginning stages, therefore, you can easily reverse the “props,” and have the Meditation student sit in front of a spiraling hypnotic wheel, while the Self‐Hypnosis student sits and stares at a candle flame.
I have thereby found that a student of Self‐Hypnosis is generally better at practicing Meditation, and similarly, a student of Meditation is more adept at engaging in Self‐Hypnosis.
Both are accustomed to the same basic pattern in the initial stages of the techniques, employed to achieve simultaneous relaxation and concentration.
It is only in the more progressive stages of each respective discipline that disparities occur, and these are not so much in the area of methods employed, as in goals to be achieved.
Having taught both Meditation and Self‐Hypnotic Techniques to thousands of students for over 40 years, I can say – unequivocally – that the practices of Meditation and Self‐Hypnosis, in the initial stages, are based on identical factors. They are both attempting to ACHIEVE RELAXATION AND CONCENTRATION SIMULTANEOUSLY.
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he standard goals of self-hypnosis, as it is commonly taught today, might include:
Control Weight Stop Smoking Eliminate Bad Habits Improve Self-Image, Athletic Performance, or Memory Learn to Relax Positive Re-education of the Personal Subconscious for Removal of Negative Personality Traits, etc.
This is not the complete list, but it is sufficient to make a point – that all of the aforementioned goals focus on the improvement of the outer self, or environmentally functioning identity.
In other words, self‐hypnotic goals would certainly be acceptable to the non‐metaphysically oriented person – the atheist.
The objectives to be achieved do not involve the higher, inner, mental faculties of
the mind, but just require simple reprogramming of one of the most surface levels of the mind – the personal subconscious or memory bank.
The standard goals of meditation must therefore be broken down into two categories, as there are two basic forms of meditation generally taught by metaphysical groups today – WESTERN MEDITATION and EASTERN MEDITATION.
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Defining the Standard Goals
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he goals here are very similar to the objectives of self-hypnosis, i.e., TO ACHIEVE IMPROVEMENT IN ONE’S OUTER SELF.
► Instead of self‐hypnotic suggestion, the word “Affirmation” is used. ► An affirmation (a positive self‐improvement statement with a spiritual
reference) is given to the personal subconscious mind while the student is in a light state of meditation.
► The state of mind is generally much the same as in a self‐hypnotic state,
where self‐improvement suggestions are programmed into the subconscious ‐ without, however, a spiritual reference in their construction.
If you consider what has just been described, you may see that if a meditation student, using self‐programming affirmations with a spiritual foundation, were to trade the candle prop for a hypnotic spiral, nothing would be lost – only the method of “prop” technique would be changed.
This points clearly to the object of this module, and that is to reveal how Self‐Hypnosis can have a definite relation to metaphysical practice.
To be more specific in terms of working with people as a Doctor of Metaphysics, you might find that some people prefer hypnotic “props” or aids to meditational ones.
This is particularly true if you are working with students who do not as yet have sufficient metaphysical orientation and sensitivity – because, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, you are practicing in a society of exponentially‐increasing exposure to technology.
You might discover, therefore, that until your students have developed a sufficient level of appreciation for the metaphysical, they would probably perceive a hypnotic spiraling wheel as having greater validity than a candle as a fixation point.
T WESTERN MEDITATION
This points clearly to the object of this lesson, and that is to reveal how SELF‐HYPNOSIS CAN HAVE A DEFINITE RELATION TO METAPHYSICAL PRACTICE.
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he goal of Eastern Meditation practices can be summed up simply as BEING IN UNION WITH THE ABSOLUTE, OR GOD – the point of contact being in the nucleus of the
unconscious, with the human mind. In the attainment of this goal through meditation, there are, of course, “byproducts,” a
few of which may include:
► The opening of the Third Eye, or psychic sight, of alchemic processes within the mind, and/or astral vision of other dimensions of consciousness or astral planes.
► From one’s Higher Mind or God‐Mind, intuitive self‐direction in a practical
sense; in other words, an influx of creative thinking adaptable to one’s conscious life situation, i.e., functioning in the worldly environment.
The ultimate goal of meditation is the Eastern aim of union with God. The practicing Doctor of Metaphysics has the opportunity to be a great asset in the pursuit of such goals – particularly with many technologically influenced students – by applying self‐hypnotic procedures.
elf-hypnotic procedures and techniques may be employed in the initial stages of such meditation to serve as a Release Mechanism by the surface parts of one’s mental
activity, i.e., the surface conscious level of the mind and personal subconscious memory bank of the mind.
A RELEASE MECHANISM means that self‐hypnotic suggestion and induction can be utilized to release one’s consciousness from a Personal Ego State to a Universal State, Higher‐Mind, or God‐Conscious State.
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EASTERN MEDITATION
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF MEDITATION IS THE EASTERN AIM OF UNION WITH GOD. The practicing Doctor of Metaphysics has the opportunity to be a great asset in the pursuit of such goals – particularly with many technologically influenced students – by applying self‐hypnotic procedures.
Release Mechanism
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► Note that a self‐hypnotic script for such a release is included in your Complimentary Bonus Course in Meditation Dynamics, sent to you with your doctoral study materials.
► By studying the self‐hypnotic techniques contained in your Meditation Dynamics Course, and then – above all – by practicing them for a few weeks, I am confident that you will see how adaptable self‐hypnotic procedures can be in the process of achieving metaphysical goals.
ONE-TO-ONE OR CLASSROOM SETTING
The application of self‐hypnotic procedure for the realization of metaphysical goals can be taught privately on a one‐to‐one basis, or in a class atmosphere.
I highly recommend the classroom setting because of the legal nature of what you are teaching.
Also, on a practical level, you can reach more people in a shorter amount of work time – thereby actually earning a greater income through teaching class courses.
SEEK LEGAL COUNSEL \
If you wish to utilize SELF‐HYPNOSIS by name, I would strongly advise you to secure your legal Ministerial standing by conducting a Sunday Morning Program or Service.
► First, however, be sure to discuss this thoroughly with an attorney who is knowledgeable on the legalities pertaining to hypnosis in your area.
► I might also state here that legally, in some cities, the teaching of self‐hypnosis may be allowed, but the practice of hetero‐hypnosis may not be.
There is such a variance that I urge you to seek legal counsel so that you are informed regarding exactly what state and local ordinances are pertinent to your geographical location.
► In conclusion, let me emphasize that self‐hypnosis, as pointed out in this module, can be a very valuable tool in metaphysical pursuits, and for the further uplifting of the spiritual nature of mankind.
Incorporating Self-Hypnotic Procedure Into Your Doctoral Practice
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f anything can shed light on the real meaning of the Bible, it is Metaphysical Interpretation.
► This is said because Metaphysical religious teachings are based upon insight gained by Mystics, down through the ages, in Higher States of Spiritual Consciousness in meditation.
► A person who has not had such experiences is not in a position to truly
comment on the content of the Bible, unless they are quoting Mystics who have come to understand the Bible through Mystical Realization.
► The Bible itself is not the issue; the problem lies with those who try to interpret it for others, without possessing the Mystical Awareness of the true meaning of Biblical Scripture.
► The religious fanatic may claim that the Bible is the undisputed word of God.
However, while this may appear to be Divinely inspired, the fanatic, in his emotional zeal, nonetheless misquotes the word of God because he lacks the authentic inner understanding of the Bible that is only possessed by the true Mystic.
The purpose of this module, therefore, is to show the great difference in the meaning of the Bible when understood in the light of Metaphysical Interpretation, which is based on Mystical awareness and sensitivity to Spiritual Reality.
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The Bible and Metaphysics VI
THIS IS SAID BECAUSE METAPHYSICAL RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS ARE BASED UPON INSIGHT GAINED BY MYSTICS, DOWN THROUGH THE AGES, IN HIGHER STATES OF SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN MEDITATION.
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As a Doctor of Metaphysics with a Ministerial standing, it is vitally important that you understand the Mystical Reality of Biblical teachings.
However, it is not within the scope of one module to go through the entire Bible
in this regard.
Some students reading this material have extensively studied Metaphysical Bible Interpretation.
If you are such a person, perhaps some of the interpretations given will reinforce or add to what you already know.
Recommendation: If, however, you have not previously studied Metaphysical Bible Interpretation, it is suggested that you read some material on the subject. A recommended reference is a long‐time standard classic published by the Unity Church of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, entitled “The Metaphysical Bible Dictionary.”
he difficulty with traditional Theologians today who do not possess Mystical Awareness is that their interpretation of Biblical statements is the exact opposite of
their actual meaning. Verses in the Bible that are meant to be symbolic are taken as literal, and vice versa. To demonstrate this point, we will take some Bible verses and interpret them
metaphysically.
However, if you are at all familiar with traditional religion, I am sure that – unfortunately – you will not hear these interpretations.
Since we can only cover a limited amount in the context of this module, we will take verses from the New Testament because you probably would be more familiar with these than excerpts from the Old Testament.
Also, the verses chosen are ones that you, as a Minister and Doctor of Metaphysics, can frequently utilize in lectures and communications to demonstrate the true understanding of the Bible.
T The Key – Literal or Symbolic
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Matthew: Chapter 6, Verse 6
“Butthou,whenthouprayest,enterintothycloset,andwhenthouhastshutthydoor,praytothyFatherwhichisinsecret;andthyFatherwhichseethinsecretshallrewardtheeopenly.”
Taken literally, this would mean to go into a closet in your home, close the door
and pray there, because somewhere among the clothing and other contents of your closet, God is there, secretly observing you.
Understood in its mystical symbology, the metaphysical interpretation is that
when you wish to pray:
“…enterintothycloset” – Your own mind.
“…shutthydoor” – Close off your outer senses behind you.
“… praytothyFatherwhichisinsecret” ‐ Meditatively commune with the Mind of God in the deepest layer of your unconscious.
“...and thyFatherwhich seeth in secret” – The mind is the only true organ of sight ‐ hence the blending of your personal mind and the Mind of God is the sight through which God sees you.
The whole of this verse, therefore, properly understood, is Jesus’ instruction to
pray using meditation.
You can see here why dogmatic fundamentalists, who have chastised meditation as the work of the devil, are in actuality leading millions away from the true teachings of Christ, “…andtheblind(spiritually)shallleadtheblind,andbothshallfallintotheditch.”
Excerpts from The New Testament
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Matthew: Chapter 6, Verse 22
“Thelightofthebodyistheeye;if,therefore,thineeyebesingle,thybodyshallbefilledwithlight.”
In this verse, a literal interpretation would generate utter confusion, and that is
why it is doubtful that you have ever heard it mentioned in a traditional church service.
Only by metaphysically interpreting the symbology, through Mystical Awareness, does the meaning become clear:
“TheLightof thebody is theeye” – In the experience of Cosmic or God‐
Consciousness, sight and light are as one infinite body.
“…if,therefore,thineeyebesingle” – Reference to the awakening of the Third Eye, or Spiritual Sight, common in all mystical teachings.
“…thywholebodyshallbefullofLight” – Cosmic Consciousness, or God‐Mind, as previously explained.
Here again, Jesus is referring to a realization gained through Meditation, for only someone with Higher Meditational Experience would understand what was meant by his allusion to “…if,therefore,thineeyebesingle.”
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Luke: Chapter 17, Verse 20-21
“TheKingdomofGodcomethnotwithobservation: Neithershall theysay,Lohere!OrLothere!‐‐fortheKingdomofGodiswithinyou.”
There are many misguided people today who believe in painted pictures of the sky opening up and God appearing overhead.
In his day, Christ sensed this in the attitude of the people he was talking to; thus, this verse can be taken literally because, in this instance, Jesus comes right out with the Mystical Truth – that the Kingdom of God is within you.
Remember also how Jesus admonished that, “TheKingdomisathand,” which was 2,000 years ago.
That statement only enforces the metaphysical reality that the Kingdom of Heaven, or God, is at hand because it is within you.
Consider that the main thrust of all metaphysical religious teachings is to go within and experience the Kingdom of Heaven right now.
Thus, it can readily be seen that metaphysical teachings impart the real teachings of Christ, when compared to traditional Christian teachings that still have people literally looking up in the clouds for God and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Worse still, people are taught that the Kingdom Jesus spoke of is an after‐death place in the clouds where good boys and girls go when they die.
Therefore, never doubt your own ministerial authority as a Minister of Metaphysics, for
you have more Truth to give in the reality of Jesus’ true teachings than most traditional ministers.
The same applies to you as a Doctor of Metaphysics, as opposed to most Doctors of Divinity of the traditional school.
The more you meditate, the more the Bible will reveal to you its real teachings. And the more you teach others how to meditate, the more they, too, will understand that the true location of the Kingdom is within them.
The more you meditate, the more the Bible will reveal to you its real teachings. And the more you teach others how to meditate, the more they, too, will understand that the true location of the Kingdom is within them.
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n the past few decades, with growing public interest in metaphysical subjects, Yoga has enjoyed increased popularity. That the study of Yoga has much to offer cannot be disputed by any serious student of metaphysics.
The purpose of this module is to consider to what extent Yoga can be integrated into the consciousness of the Western mind by the Doctoral Professional of Metaphysics.
here are five basic disciplines or schools of Yoga, which will be discussed here in terms of how they can be used to reach the average Westerner.
It is important to point out that there are those in Western society to whom the
exotic has an appeal. They would naturally be drawn to Yoga when seeking to improve their lives.
Western society as a whole, however, is not attracted to the exotic; hence, the
teachings of Yoga that are truly valuable will not reach them.
► That is why any Doctoral Professional in Metaphysics who plans to utilize Yoga teachings is urged to give them a name that would be more appealing to the Western mind.
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Yoga: Its Adaptation to Western Thinking
VII
The Five Basic Yoga Disciplines
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HATHA YOGA
The original purpose of Hatha Yoga was to give people who were more physically oriented an opportunity to experience Union with God through a combination of postures, breathing exercises, stretching, etc. However, it caught on in the United States for its physical benefits.
This, actually, is a blessing in disguise, since Hatha Yoga can provide a natural pathway to the metaphysical.
An example from my own experience might be helpful to you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics.
My very first attempt at practicing in the metaphysical field was through Hatha Yoga. It was a natural for me, as I had extensively practiced body‐building as a teenager, and was quite active in athletics – so much so, that I seriously considered a professional baseball career.
I mention this – not to talk about myself – but because there are many Westerners interested in physical pursuits to whom, as adults, Hatha Yoga would have an appeal.
When starting out, I rented a small, two‐room office suite in Beverly Hills, California. I had about $2,500 in savings – $2,450 of which I spent in furnishings and other startup costs. That left me with a grand total of $50 and no students – but with a yearning to teach people metaphysics. I then spent my last $50 to take out an ad in a Beverly Hills paper.
Stopping at nothing in my enthusiasm, I offered a free trial lesson at my office, and also volunteered to go to peoples’ homes – and anyone acquainted with the geography of Los Angeles can imagine the number of miles I put on my car!
The attention‐grabber or “hook” of my ad was that I not only offered a free trial lesson, but also a free book, “Autobiography of a Yogi,” which sold for $4 a copy.
Again, I inject this into the module – not to talk about myself, but to show what it takes – AN ALL‐OUT EFFORT AND TOTAL COMMITMENT to work for what you believe can help people.
Adaptability of the Five Types of Yoga
The original purpose of Hatha Yoga was to give people who were more physically oriented an opportunity to experience Union with God through a combination of postures, breathing exercises, stretching, etc.
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Nothing good comes easy, and that includes succeeding as a Doctoral Professional in Metaphysics. However, with sincere commitment in your heart to help others through metaphysics, it can be achieved – with God’s help.
The results I experienced, you, too, can achieve today! The people who started studying Hatha Yoga with me became real students of the metaphysical.
The method was quite natural ‐ at the end of each Hatha Yoga session, I would have them sit silently in meditation. This practice developed into an interest on their part in meditation.
Receptivity to meditation leads to an interest in the philosophy surrounding meditation, which, in turn, leads to spiritual philosophy, and finally to metaphysics.
If what has been covered here has stirred in you an interest in Hatha Yoga, you
can see how it leads naturally to exposing people to the deeper life‐giving truths offered by metaphysics.
Consider it seriously when mapping out your doctoral career in Metaphysics, as it is a definitive method for bridging the gap between the Western and Eastern mind.
BHAKTI YOGA
► This form of Yoga was intended to lead to Union with God through Devotion. Thus, the basic philosophy is very closely aligned with the devotional aspect of traditional Christianity.
It is a Yoga of Love.
Therefore, it can be adaptable to Western thinking, if you practice metaphysics in a community in which the traditional Christian atmosphere is strong.
In other words, a person with a Christian background would find Bhakti Yoga acceptable and in alignment with their mode of thinking and being.
Nothing good comes easy, and that includes succeeding as a Doctoral Professional in Metaphysics. However, with sincere commitment in your heart to help others through metaphysics, it can be achieved – WITH GOD’S HELP.
This form of Yoga was intended to lead to Union with God through DEVOTION.
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JNANA YOGA
This Yoga deals with stimulating one’s philosophical, intellectual curiosity to the
extent that the individual eventually transcends the intellect to experience Cosmic Consciousness, or Union with God.
Until such a realization is experienced, however, it serves only to stimulate the intellect.
Thus, if the general mental tempo of your being is intellectual, rather than devotional, consider integrating Jnana Yoga into your doctoral career in Metaphysics.
In pursuing such a course, you may find significant acceptance from the
intellectual segment of Western society.
The philosophical approach of Jnana Yoga has the potential of igniting the inner spiritual yearnings of many who are turned off by traditional religion. Those who are interested in the mind and traditional psychology can also be reached spiritually.
Whereas the established, unquestioning, blind belief of traditional religion
would leave them cold, Jnana Yoga could bring to life their dormant spiritual nature.
Let me relate an example from my own life that lends credence to what I have just
explained. One day in the late sixties, I had been invited to present two lectures in the
Psychology Department of Long Beach State College in California. I remember this day vividly, as my father was accompanying me.
This Yoga deals with stimulating one’s philosophical, intellectual curiosity to the extent that the individual eventually transcends the intellect to experience Cosmic Consciousness, or Union with God.
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Knowing how forcefully I lecture, he expressed concern that psychology students might react adversely to my talks.
My lectures were basically Jnana Yoga philosophy couched in Western semantics. The central theme was that Western psychology could never be a true science of mind if it remained soulless, or void, of the transforming effect of Cosmic Consciousness in the deeper layers of the unconscious.
The first lecture was at 9:00 a.m. in a large auditorium accommodating 150 to 200 students, and all seats were occupied.
The psychology professor offered my father a chair on the side, but he declined. He later told me he could not bear the thought of his son receiving a cold reception from psychology students for literally attacking the system as soulless, and thus void of its real potential as a science of the mind. So he left to enjoy the sun on a nearby patio.
As the lecture concluded one hour later, he could not believe his ears – thunderous applause was coming from the lecture hall! He then decided to sit in on the next talk, and at its conclusion, there again was a standing ovation.
As we prepared to leave and were saying goodbye to the psychology professor, my father, now bursting with curiosity, asked if all visiting lecturers were so well‐received by the students. The professor’s response was, “It seldom happens – maybe once a year!”
■ The point of sharing this experience is to show how readily adaptable philosophical concepts, as found in Jnana Yoga, can be to the intellectual, psychologically‐seeking person. In your career as a Doctor of Metaphysics, this is well worth noting, as you attempt to reach this segment of Western society with metaphysical thought.
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KARMA YOGA
In an increasingly time‐pressured society, perhaps the most practical adaptation of Yoga to Western thinking can be found in the general philosophy of Karma Yoga.
Its concepts would be especially adaptable to the hustle and bustle of large metropolitan Western cities.
Karma means Action; hence, Karma Yoga is the Yoga of Action – the action being one’s daily activities.
The basic concept consists of a way through which a person may reach Union with God, or Cosmic Consciousness.
It is for the person who is already very much involved in family and career, and cannot retreat to a cave or mountaintop to meditate without interruption.
Since this is the case for most Westerners, it can readily be seen how the application of Karma Yoga can be effective in Western society.
► The central postulation is that all of our daily actions are acts of dedication to
one’s Higher Self or God Within; whether an action is performed well or poorly, as long as the person makes the effort, each act is one of dedication.
► It is, in essence, doing for the Will and Presence of God Within, rather than for glorification of the personal ego.
► Each act, then, becomes an act of releasing personal egotism, and replacing it in one’s consciousness with an increasing awareness of the Universal Self, or God, WHICH EVENTUALLY LEADS TO COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS, OR UNION WITH GOD.
As a Doctor of Metaphysics, you can teach Karma Yoga in its pure Eastern state if your students are already seekers. If they are not, many of the concepts could be readily adaptable to a self‐help format, with Western semantics.
KARMA means ACTION; hence, Karma Yoga is the YOGA OF ACTION –the action being one’s daily activities.
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RAJA YOGA
Raja Yoga is, in essence, the science of meditation; that is, one seeks to work with the energies of the unconscious in a state of meditation.
Depending on the particular teacher of the art, it may or may not relate to conscious awakening of the chakras, or psychic centers.
Raja Yoga is very adaptable to the scientifically inclined in Western society, as it affords actual first‐hand exploration of consciousness.
This, at the very least, can provide subjective or intuitive knowledge of the ultimate human mental reality.
The appeal is generally to those with interests in psychic development.
The beauty here is that, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, you can take a student whose interests lie only in the most simplistic elements of ESP, and open the door for them to go beyond psychic or lower astral awareness.
■ In other words, this can lead to an appreciation that the ULTIMATE QUEST in the awakening of the mind is to experience COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS, or UNION WITH GOD.
sing the points in this module as a guide to adapting any or all of the five major Yoga disciplines to a Western lifestyle can greatly enhance your success as a doctor in the
metaphysical field.
It is suggested that you cross‐reference what has been said here with what you know, if you are already a student of Yoga. If you are not, do some additional reading, using the books on Yoga listed on the University’s recommended reading list.
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Raja Yoga is, in essence, the science of meditation; that is, one seeks to work with the energies of the unconscious in a state of meditation.
CONCLUSIONS
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he term SEMANTICS relates to the meaning of words. As a Doctor of Metaphysics, the words you use in your communications with others can make the difference between failure and success in the metaphysical field.
Every word you use as a Metaphysical Doctor conveys an idea to the minds of your listeners. As a professional, you will very quickly realize how your choice of words in relaying a concept can either ignite enthusiasm or shut down the person’s receptivity to you.
You will encounter this whether in a one‐to‐one situation, lecturing, ministering, teaching, or writing.
To illustrate the above point, let’s look at the word “God.”
Many people today are turned off by this term because of associations that
may have started in childhood.
For example, children are often exposed to “hell and damnation” ministers shouting about a vengeful and wrathful God who burns people – if they have been bad boys and girls on earth ‐‐ in a place called “hell.”
In one moment, the children are told of a loving and forgiving God, and in the next, told of a God that would torture them throughout eternity.
What would the word “God” then do for these children as adults, when you use the word in your communications with them?
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Every word you use as a Metaphysical Doctor conveys an idea to the minds of your listeners.
Metaphysical Semantics and Doctoral Communication
VIII
A World of Ideas and Words
Examples
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Let’s look at another example.
Suppose the child, now grown up, receives a knock on the door and opens it to find an individual espousing the “Word of God” as found in the Bible.
This unwelcome intrusion is exacerbated as they attempt to convince the person to attend a meeting or join their religious organization.
If you are at all perceptive, you sense their fanaticism, as they go on interminably about “God.” To be enthusiastic is one thing – to be zealous is quite another.
By the time the “intruder” is through, the person feels invaded and does not want to hear another word about “God,” as “God” is now associated with a fanatical identity.
► Numerous other examples can be cited, but I am sure you realize the point – there
are many people who have given “God” a bad name!
n order to advance your career, help others, and earn a decent living, you, as a Doctor of Metaphysics, must bridge the SEMANTICS GAP in peoples’ minds.
Suppose you are striving to develop a greater following, and decide to present lectures. Below are some items you must consider in your use of the word “God.”
Questions to ask yourself are:
Based on my knowledge of those attending, how will they react to my use of the word “God?”
Do the attendees already understand the metaphysical meaning of the word “God” as I will use it in a lecture?
Does the audience possess any previous metaphysical background, and/or appear pessimistic and skeptical about the subject of my lecture?
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Bridging the Semantics Gap
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You must weigh the above questions, but perhaps the best way to bridge the SEMANTICS GAP is as follows:
Do not use the word “God” until the very last minutes of your lecture. Instead,
substitute metaphysical terms which essentially mean “God,” but in a manner that does not go against any previous negative associations in your listeners’ minds.
SUBSTITUTE EXAMPLES AS FOLLOWS:
Infinite Mind Infinite Intelligence Higher Mind Cosmic Mind Higher Consciousness Cosmic Consciousness The Absolute The Ultimate Mental Totality The Source Inner Reality The Highest Level of Consciousness Ultimate Identity
There are additional replacement terms that can be used as well, but the point is
to make use of substitutes until the gap can be bridged.
You might, for example, take any of the substitutes provided and use them throughout your lecture.
■ Then toward the conclusion, say something like, “Throughout this lecture, I have used the term ‘Higher Mind.’ Defined, it means ‘God.’ To be honest, I did not come right out and use the word ‘God.’ But if you understand ‘God’ as I have explained it when using the metaphysical term ‘Higher Mind,’ you now have a wonderful new conception of ‘God’ that you can use to improve your life.”
► I hope you can see what is being illustrated here. Had you started off
immediately using the word “God,” you would have run the risk of instantaneously closing off a good percentage of your audience.
► However, by constructing a new, positive metaphysical image of God in their minds, you gave them the opportunity to be open‐minded and receptive. Then, when – in the end – you identified your substitute term as “God,” it was infused with new metaphysical understanding, and was, at that point, acceptable to them.
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e have just reviewed an example of a single lecture – yet you can take this illustration even further.
► You could teach a full course of study in metaphysics and wait until the very last
class before identifying the substitute term(s) as “God.”
► In a course situation, this can be very dramatic as far as its lasting impact on the minds of those attending.
he points and examples just given have dealt with face-to-face circumstances.
► They can, however, also be applied to writing, if this is one area that you wish to actively pursue in your doctoral career in Metaphysics.
Let us use our example of the word “God.”
If you are writing a book, magazine article, etc., “God” should, ideally, be left
out of the title.
You might, however, feel you were Divinely Inspired to include the word “God” to convey maximum impact, in which case the final decision is, of course, up to you.
The same principles apply if you utilize any audio‐visual communications.
■ In communicating to an audience that is not already metaphysically aware, the advisable approach is to use philosophical terminology, sprinkled with psychological verbiage where applicable, until you successfully convey the metaphysical meaning of the words that you are using.
In title selection, it is recommended that you use words that denote SELF‐HELP or
SELF‐GROWTH.
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Carrying Substitutions Further
Applicable to Writing
General Rule of Thumb
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f what has been discussed in this module makes sense to you, the best professional advice you can be given is to work consistently on increasing your metaphysical
vocabulary.
► This can be accomplished most effectively by balanced reading. In other words, it is advisable to continually read a combination of metaphysical, psychological, philosophical, and religious material.
► If you persist in this practice, you will find yourself able to effectively cross‐
reference terms from all of the aforementioned subjects, to more successfully communicate your ideas to those people for whom you teach, counsel, minister, and/or write during your career as a Doctor of Metaphysics.
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A Professional Suggestion
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he choice as relayed in the title of this module is a significant one. It should, of course, coincide with your interests; that is, what areas of metaphysics interest you the most, and what would be most suitable as a mode of operation.
However, your current interests may change in time; therefore, unless you feel that you are totally committed to one specific professional goal in metaphysics, it is suggested that you REMAIN FLEXIBLE.
Then, if you choose, at some point, to change your operation, you will not find the transition too difficult.
► If, for example, you decide to create a church‐type atmosphere, and choose a facility where you have stained glass windows installed, it would be difficult and costly to change if you later decided a more educational setting would serve you better.
► The best of both worlds, particularly when you are starting out, is to choose and decorate a facility that can lend itself to either purpose – a church, or a teaching and counseling center.
► Until you become established and your goals are more clearly defined, this would be your best option.
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Your Choice of Metaphysical Operation: Teaching, Counseling Center, or Church
IX
Your Interests
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rom a legal standpoint, you are far better off if you set up and operate in a church-type facility.
■ This is even more valid if you choose to teach any of the following as part of your
metaphysical work:
Astrology Readings Healing Self-Hypnosis Meditation Large emphasis on Personal Counseling
■ We currently have students and graduates, not only throughout the United
States, but around the world.
■ Note that state and local ordinances vary, so you are dealing with legalities based on geographical location, as well as differences in prevailing attitudes of the local populace.
■ Therefore, when choosing what type of operation to establish, you must weigh both legalities and public acceptance.
ublic approval, or lack of it, can be the road to success or failure for you. Therefore, your choice should also be based upon what would be a publicly acceptable mode of
operation.
■ In other words, be aware of the predominant attitudes in your community in regard to the entire field of metaphysical subjects, and religion in general.
► For example, if you live in a community where one form of religion seems
to dominate, almost to the point of fanaticism, it would be most effective to keep the religious aspect of your work low key, and concentrate on a more educational theme.
► It is suggested that you keep this up until your following is strong enough to understand the spiritual nature of metaphysics.
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Legalities
Public Acceptance
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f you choose an educational and/or counseling setting, I cannot urge you strongly enough to do the following:
■ At least once per week, preferably on Sunday morning, conduct an open public meeting.
You do not have to call it a “service.” You may choose to call it a Sunday morning “program,” “meeting,” or whatever other descriptive term seems appropriate.
The main point is that, if you are legally challenged for proof that you are conducting a Ministry, this is your “religious service,” or its equivalent.
■ This proof is absolutely essential to establish your legal right to operate.
Please understand that we are not trying to “get away with” anything.
► There is simply so much diversification of interests in metaphysics, that this
is the way you must legally protect yourself – and even that is not an absolute statement.
■ You MUST check the legalities in your area, as we can only speak here in generalities.
our best option regarding operating legally is to have the services of an attorney you can trust.
► Be VERY SELECTIVE in your choice of legal counsel.
► High‐powered attorneys are not always the wisest choice, as they can potentially stir up more than they can cure.
► Be discerning and discriminating.
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Protect Yourself Legally
Legal Counsel
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Note the following recommendations when selecting an attorney:
► Choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable.
► Be certain that the attorney does not have strong religious or philosophical views that oppose your metaphysical interests. If in doubt, ask them directly.
► Over time, you will, no doubt, find an attorney who comes to you for your metaphysical services.
► If he or she is aligned with your interests, retain that individual, as they would already be familiar with your operation.
nless you have large sums of money at your disposal, you are urged to start as conservatively as possible in terms of expenditures for your operation.
■ It will take some time to get your spiritual feet wet, i.e., to get the “feel” of
what it is like to be in metaphysics professionally.
■ You do not require an elaborate, expensively furnished setup at the start.
► SPEND WISELY.
► You might have the most sophisticated showplace in your area – and it could still be empty.
pending wisely infers proportional spending. The greatest proportion of your investment should be spent on anything that will promote and advertise your
operation.
► As an example, if you had $4,000 to invest at the start, it would be suggested that you spend $1200 on furnishings, and $2,800 on anything that would promote or advertise your work.
► That should illustrate where the initial emphasis must be.
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Start Conservatively
Proportional Spending
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taught full-time for over 40 years, and 10 years part-time, and I can tell you from experience -- it is better to have folding chairs and people, than cushioned upholstery
and an empty room!
f you spend your money to bring people in, there will be enough people who believe in your work who will want to contribute something to help you furnish your operation.
■ They may bring a desk, chairs, lamps, refrigerator, computer, etc. Many
individuals have items that they no longer use, just collecting dust in a garage or attic.
■ Until you have more funds at your disposal, this might be the best way to furnish
your operation.
■ If you are helping people, let them know your needs, and they will be glad to help you in return, because of what you are doing for them metaphysically.
o get started, a basic setup might be 30 folding chairs, a desk and desk chair. ► The very basics to furnish your initial setup should be approximately $2,000
new on today’s market – about $40 each per chair, $500 for a desk, and $200 for a desk chair.
► This should also include a blackboard – an essential item.
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My Own Proven Practice
Contributions
Initial Basic Setup
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our choice of operational facility comes down to an office(s) in an office building, or a storefront operation.
■ Based on legal considerations, the storefront is the better option, as it is more conducive to your Sunday morning program.
► It can also lend itself to book sales, which will not only help you in the financing of your operation, but more importantly, bring in people.
lthough it is becoming increasingly difficult in major U.S. cities, it is suggested that you try to find a facility to rent on a month-to-month basis. This allows you the option
to move, if you should discover negative factors. The features that must be considered are:
Parking convenience Public transportation to the location Security factors at night, such as bright lighting Two restroom facilities – men’s and women’s Common sense considerations that contribute to the success of the
location
heck with local zoning ordinances in your community, and also with an attorney, as to whether you can have people come to your home.
For this scenario to work, your residence must be adaptable for holding meetings and/or
counseling sessions.
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A
C
Choice of Facility
Rent or Lease
Least Expensive
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Other points to note in regard to using your residence are:
► If you are married, be certain that your spouse is in alignment with you on this, as it can mean a reduction in personal privacy and lifestyle.
► Also, use good judgment regarding your neighbors. Don’t hold large meetings more than once per week. People coming to your home for counseling will appear, to your neighbors, to be just visitors.
► Continue this practice only as long as it takes you to obtain a business location.
■ As a metaphysical student, if you are familiar with the Unity Church, it should
be pointed out that Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, the founders of Unity, started by having people come to their home.
► From this humble beginning, they built a wonderful, large, and successful metaphysical organization, that has provided spiritual help to countless people.
■ To offer further encouragement to you, I also operated in this manner during
leaner periods when I was trying to get started in metaphysics.
► Through persistence and the Power and Grace of God, I eventually built what is now the foremost international school of its kind, making spiritual and metaphysical support available around the world.
■ The Fillmore’s did it and succeeded; I did it and succeeded; and, if your budget is small, you too can begin in this fashion. Just always envision your aim!
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y intention in this document was to provide you with support and guidance to point you in the right direction for achieving maximum success and fulfillment as a
Doctor of Metaphysics. Both the practical and the inspirational are essential qualities as you embark upon
this quest, and I hope I have imparted a sufficient level of each.
If you truly aspire to be of service to others, while building a career based on integrity, you are already well on your way to achieving your aims!
■ Turn to the God Within for your Ultimate Guidance, and true success is assured!
International Metaphysical Ministry University of Sedona 1‐928‐203‐0730 1‐888‐866‐4685 2675 W. State Route 89A, #465 Sedona, AZ 86336 Fax 1‐928‐204‐0543
[email protected] www.universityofmetaphysics.com
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SUMMARY